What Is The Best Kayak For Beginners & Buying Guide

Kayaking is rapidly growing as the best-loved water sport. If you are also fascinated by the water environment and looking to kick-start a career in it, you might get overwhelmed by the question of ‘where to begin?’.

Not every kayak is beginner-friendly. In the market, many kayaks are available having top-notch features built for the specific type of kayaking. For the novices, it is advisable to go with an affordable one having limited features initially to get familiar with the basics of paddling.

Afterward, you are allowed to look for better options.

In this article to assist you in picking the right choice, we have included a list of ‘Best kayaks for beginners’ along with a comprehensive buying guide to make you aware of the key features of choosing the best compatible kayak.

A high-performance kayak is worthless if you are not committed to learning the proper paddling. We have also mentioned here simple and effective paddling techniques to enable you to paddle within a few minutes.

Best Kayaks For Beginners

 

No# 1 Lifetime Wave 60 Youth Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polyethylene material
  • Kayak dimensions 72” L, 24” W, 9” H
  • Kayak weight 18 pounds or 8.16kg
  • Weight capacity 130lb.
  • Solo kayak

Typically kayaking is considered a safe water sport only for adults or professionals, however, the case is not the same now. Your kids also need to get familiar with the pacifying water environment by kayaking.

Lifetime kayak has provided a possibility for the younger ones to get into the water without any adult aid.

The hard shell small and sturdy kayak has a tough polyethylene construction making it impact-free and resistant to UV rays. It can be utilized for a long time in its high-duty manufacturing.

A lifetime kayak is 6ft long, that is enough length for a paddler of age 5-13. Moreover, the kayak has a maximum weight capacity of 130lb making it a perfect kid-friendly kayak.

Your kid will get ample space to sit comfortably, it has multi footrest positions to assist in efficient paddling.

Normally, kids are not familiar with the hard paddling rules, to provide extra stability the kayak hull design is extremely admirable. The reverse chin design resists the boat from flipping over and provides a balanced ride that keeps the paddler on water.

To keep the kayak straight the two fin hull design is constructed.

Lifetime youth kayak also provides an opportunity for swimming to the younger ones. It has a swim-up in the back to help in the easy entrance to the kayak after swimming. However, a small storage bag can also be tied to the backside.

The small kayak is also extremely lightweight and portable. An 8kg of weight can easily be carried by a kid of 7 age using molded finger handles on both sides.

Overall, good sturdy purchase for the youngers to let them learn the basics of kayaking and also a great chance to bring them close to mother nature.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Extremely stable hull construction
  • Good tracking helps in efficient paddling
  • Easy entrance
  • Good space for legs
  • Tough and sturdy construction
  • Water drainage points
Cons
  • No backrest seat that might limit the paddling time.

 

 

No# 2 Intex Explorer K2 Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polypropylene material
  • Kayak dimensions when inflated 10’3” L, 3” W, 1’8” H
  • Kayak weight 30.4 pounds or 13.8kg
  • Weight capacity of 400 pounds or 180kg
  • 2 seating capacity
  • Inflatable kayak

Intex is the top-notch popular brand among kayakers having a lot of positive reviews. If you are serious about your kayaking career don’t miss out to try their kayaks. Therefore, Intex Excursion k2 is our first recommended kayak for you. Let’s have a detailed view;

The 13” Excursion k2 has a capacity for two paddlers providing an opportunity to bring a partner to the fun water ride. It is also time to teach your kids the elementary skills of paddling under your supervision.

The inflatable kayak is made with polypropylene material that is to add rigidity and strength. No need to worry about the punctures since excursion k2 has a durable material to assist you in long hassle-free paddling.

Moreover, if you are bringing a pet dog, be grateful to the I-beam floor that is going to save the cockpit from scratches and piercing by the dog’s paws.

Being a tandem kayak, Excursion K2 offers a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds which is the ideal figure for the two paddlers. It also provides ample space for legroom and storage bad to store gears.

The two removable and adjustable inflatable seats provide a comfy ride over calm soothing water.

Isn’t it enough in a kayak for less than $200? Grab your kayak now if you want all these high-duty features at the cheapest price.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Impact-resistant material
  • Inflatable kayaks are extremely portable
  • Dog-friendly
  • Removable skeg to keep the kayak straight and stable
  • Three air chambers provide maximum buoyancy.
  • Not pricy
Cons
  • Inflating valves are a bit cheap and leak the air from time to time.

 

 

No# 3 AQUATEQ Hudson Intermediate Sit-on-top Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material
  • Kayak dimensions 300cm L, 90 cm W, 25cm H
  • Kayak weight 39 pounds or 18kg
  • Weight capacity 287lb.
  • Single seat kayak
  • Inflatable design

Looking for extremely high-duty construction? Then Aquatec might suit you the best. Also, a high-performance kayak demands more pennies, so quickly check your wallet.

Aquatec kayak can play an ideal role to upgrade your beginner kayaking skills to the professional. Let’s check out what it has for you.

If you are just starting out and fully sincere to bring your paddling skills to the next level, you must have to choose a kayak with reliable and high-duty material.

Aquatec kayak is constructed with PVC, the most durable, lightweight, and popular among professional kayakers. PVC kayaks are extremely portable and can be stored in a storage bag.

Moreover, modern PVC kayaks are resistant to UV rays and eliminate the risk of impacts. They are also easy to repair if it gets damaged. But precaution is better than damage, it is advisable not to use the PVC kayak for fishing purposes and don’t park the kayak under direct sunlight.

The kayak comes with a paddle and a quality hand pump that inflates the kayak as quickly as can be. It has three air chambers to provide buoyancy to the kayak if any of the chambers suddenly deflates.

For comfortable paddling, the Aquatec kayak has a backrest seat. On a long trip, you must be bringing extra accessories and snacks, store them in a carry bag and place the bag in cargo nets fixed on the bow and stern of the kayak.

The other notable advantage you must admire about Aquatec is, that it is offering two models with both tandem and solo kayaking options. Besides Hudson intermediate, the other model is the ”Ottawa Pro”.

Since their construction (tandem and solo), both models vary in their weight capacities. The ‘Hudson intermediate’ can hold a weight o 287lbs ( in a solo kayak) and 375lbs (in a tandem kayak). On the other hand, ‘Ottawa pro’ has the weight capacities of 353lbs (in a solo kayak) and 595lbs (in a tandem kayak).

Now the choice is all yours, choose the model according to your kayaking style and demands.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Easy to transport
  • Have paddle holders
  • High-duty construction
  • Skeg for direction stability
  • Storage areas at bow and stern
  • Perfect to paddle on lakes, rivers, and seas
  • Easy to assemble
  • Tough floor to support standup paddling
Cons
  • It doesn’t have footrest positions

 

 

No# 4 Sun Dolphin Journey 10 ss Sit-on-top Fishing Kayak:

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Features:

  • Plastic material
  • Kayak dimensions 120” L, 30” W, 11” H
  • Kayak weight 44 pounds or 19 kg
  • Weight capacity 250 pounds or 113 kg
  • Hard shell solo kayak

Not every kayak is suitable for fishing. If you are interested in hunting fish along with the paddling, make sure you have chosen a kayak especially built for fishing.

To help you choose the best, we have added a fishing kayak ‘ Sun Dolphin’ that is equipped with all the essential features needed to cast effectively.

While casting a stubborn fish, it is essential to have a kayak made with an impact-resistant and tough material. Therefore, plastic kayaks are most widely preferred for fishing trips.

Since of their high-duty material plastic kayaks also remain under the use of whitewater kayakers. Additionally, plastic material is not heavy on the wallet as the inflatable materials.

The quality I most admire about the plastic kayaks is, that they can withstand rocks and other pointing objects. Hardly they get a few bumps at the end that are very easy to repair, that’s the reason for their popularity among whitewater kayakers.

The solo kayak can hold a maximum weight of 250 pounds which is quite enough for a single paddler. To store the fishing accessories like baitcasting reel, baits, etc use the cargo nets on the bow and stern. To keep the rectangular items near to the reach, a small compartment in the cockpit is made.

Interested to know more? Two flush mounts and a fishing rod holder are the elementary features that have made the kayak perfect for fishing.

Though plastic kayaks are heavy and less portable to load to the kayaking spots, still to assist you in carrying two molded finger holders on the left and right and a carry handle on the back are fitted.

The sit-on-top kayak hull is wide enough to provide a comfortable sitting. Self-bailing has made the water drainage easier.

All in all, Sun Dolphin is an ideal purchase for anglers and beginners looking to boost their kayaking skills to the next level.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Can be utilized for a long time
  • Fishing rod holder
  • Ample space for casting accessories
  • Footrest position
  • Easy to repair
  • Can be used for whitewater kayaking
Cons
  • You will have to spend extra money on the paddle
  • Heavier and less portable than inflatable kayaks.

 

 

No# 5 Valwix Inflatable Sit-on-top Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) material
  • Kayak weight 20 pounds or 9kg
  • Dimensions when inflated 9 L, 2.7 W, 1.2 H (inches)
  • Maximum weight capacity (solo) 220lbs and 600lbs. (tandem)
  • Both solo and tandem model

Another high-performance kayak on our list is the ‘Valwix’ well-suited for both solo and tandem kayaking. You can pick the one according to your type of kayaking, however, I am truly gonna admire the max weight capacity of a Valwix tandem model.

It is super perfect for a long trip if you are bringing accessories and gears more than 400 pounds weight limit.

Valwix kayak is constructed with extremely durable and lightweight PVC material. Nothing matches with PVC if you are in a search of a high-duty kayak at the cheapest price.

Since providing extreme stability and toughness to the kayak, PVC kayaks remain in high demand among professionals. Since of the impact-resistant material, you can get into the water with a PVC kayak for years.

Valwix kayak weight capacity differs with the design, you are allowed to load a max weight under 220lbs on a solo kayak, however, the tandem model is offering you a supreme chance of a long trip if your accessories are exceeding the limit of 400pounds.

The kayak also comes with a waterproof storage bag. Storage areas on the front and back sides to keep extra items for a summer trip.

If you love to have a pet dog partner, the kayak’s sturdy floor is resistant to scratches by dog paws. Still, we would suggest you place a rubber mat for extra security.

The compact design has also made transportation easier. The 20 pounds weight isn’t too much to carry by one person.

The high-duty manual pump assists in quick inflation and deflation via quality air pumps. To control the kayak mobility 2 skegs perform great to keep the kayak straight. Moreover, the 7 inches paddle also help for efficient paddling and good maneuverability.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Long-lasting material
  • Lightweight
  • Extremely stable
  • The package also includes a paddle, hand pump, and waterproof bag
  • Economical purchase
  • Inflatable removable seat
Cons
  • No paddle holders

 

 

No# 6 Wilderness Systems ATAK 120 Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polyethylene construction
  • Kayak dimensions 12’3” L, 35” W, 16” H
  • Kayak weight 86 lbs. or 39kg
  • weight capacity of 400 pounds
  • Solo fishing kayak

Our second top suggested fishing kayak includes, Wilderness systems ATAK 120. Wilderness systems are considered a trusted top-notch brand in manufacturing high-performance kayaks and kayak accessories. ATAK 120 provides comfortable paddling along with an opportunity for fish hunting to the anglers.

Hard shell kayaks are most widely preferred when it comes to fishing in a lake or river. The ATAK 120 hard shell kayak is constructed with tough and impact-resistant polyethylene material.

Drive the kayak the whole day touching rocks and pointing objects, would result in a few scratches or bumps that are easy to repair without having a heavy wallet.

The longer the fishing trip the more you will need to have extra space for fishing items. At the stern, you can place the rod holders and fishing reel, etc, a mounted camera for the whole day shooting, still a space will be left to store some food.

Make sure the weight of the gear is 20-25% less than 400 pounds to not to affect the kayak mobility.

It will take you time to catch a bass, Airpro max seat and a sit-on-top design are commendable in providing a whole day of comfortable sitting under the bright sun. Moreover, you are open to placing the beverages and snacks in the cockpit’s small storage areas.

For quick mobility and increased stability, ATAK 120 kayak offers to install an MD motor drive.

Shake your legs, grab the item and take your angling career to the next level.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Durable and stable
  • Ample space for fishing items
  • The footrest position makes the ride comfortable
  • Rudder to maintain direction stability.
Cons
  • Weighty than other kayaks in the list, that is also increasing the concern about transportation and physical fitness

 

 

No# 7 Wilderness Systems PUNOGO 120 Kayak:

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Features:

  • Polyethylene material
  • Kayak dimensions 365.76 cm L, 71.12 cm W, 35.56 cm H
  • Kayak weight 22.23 kg or 49 pounds
  • weight capacity 325 lbs.
  • Sit-in kayak
  • Solo design

The kayak is the last but not the least. Another kayak from the Wilderness Systems is verifying its high-duty top-notch manufacturing. Our last recommended kayak can surely be the best purchase so far if you are still failed to find the right piece to begin your kayaking career with. Lets’ have a look at what it has for you.

Without a doubt, polyethylene has become the foremost kayak material due to its high-performance functioning. Polyethylene kayaks can be paddled over the underwater rocks without any fear of damage to the hull. However, a few minor scratches are easily repaired.

The solo PUNOGO 120 model has a weight capacity nearly equal to the weight limit of tandem kayaks. That is well-suited to load more and more accessories in the stern cargo net for long hours of paddling.

The front cockpit deck also offers to keep the beverages and snacks right in front of you. Additionally, the decision of bringing a phone, iPod, or a mounted camera would not prove a devasting since of the hatch storage area.

Want to make a space to load a kid or a pup? Surely, the PUNOGO sit-in kayak perfectly allows you to take a kid or pet partner with you. The front storage board is completely removable providing ample space to load small buddy on the cheerful trip.

The kayak has a sit-in construction making it ideal for beginners who feel hesitant to remain in direct contact with the water environment. Sit-in kayaks are normally ignored due to a bit tricky entrance to the cockpit. Although, the 12 ft kayak has a wide cockpit providing ample space to enter and leave the kayak smoothly.

A comfortable seat with a backrest allows you to remain fresh even kayaking for hours over a silent river or lake. It is also a big plus for the kayakers suffering from joint pains.

Additionally, the kayak is extremely stable and maneuvers smoothly and quickly in the water. PUNOGO 120 doesn’t demand applying any tricky paddling technique since the kayak is less likely to go off track.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Impact-resistant body
  • Hatch and cargo area for the storage of electronic devices and other items
  • Good tracking ability
  • A wide and long kayak provides maximum stability
  • Best purchase for the newcomers
Cons
  • There is no paddle with the kayak

 

 

Things to Consider Before Buying a New Kayak (Buying Guide)

There are a few questions you need to have answers to before purchasing a kayak for your new kayaking career. How much do you have in your pocket? What type of paddler you are either seasonal, regular or whitewater, etc.? are the prime factors that greatly affect your purchase.

Normally, beginners are unaware of the key features of kayaks which leads them to a discouraging paddling experience. It is essential to know the basic terms used in paddling and have a brief knowledge of the different features and their functions.

Down below are the things you ought to be more careful about while searching for a kayak:

Material:

First thing first, kayak material is the primary you need to be careful about. Several kayak materials are available in the market like plastic, PVC, and polyethylene depending upon the kayaking style and requirements of the paddlers.

If toughness and a rigid body is your only concern, you may look towards the plastic material. Since plastic makes the hardshell kayaks more sturdy, durable, and extremely resistant to impacts and likewise provides you a fun kayaking adventure for a long time.

However, they are comparatively heavier than other kayaks which can put it discomfort in transportation.

On the other hand, inflatable kayaks are well-suited to providing portability to long-distance kayakers. PVC is known to be the top-notch inflatable kayak material. It is the lightest of all and also economical.

No need to worry about the stiffness of inflatable kayaks, since PVC manufacturing has made the inflatable kayaks as stiffer as nearly to the hardshell kayaks. Surprisingly, the material doesn’t demand to have a paddler with a heavy pocket.

Whatever is the prime feature you want to have in your new kayak, list your main requirements and choose the kayak accordingly.

Comfort Level:

Being a new kayaker, smooth kayak mobility and stability might be the prime factors you are looking for. Kayaks with wide and short hull designs tend to be more stable than the longer and skinny kayaks.

With that being said, it is advisable to avoid composite kayaks since there are less stable, however great for the speed. Flat and rounded hulls are the ideal choice for beginners, they remain in maximum contact with the water so offer maximum stability to the paddlers.

Moreover, the kayak’s seat and footrest positions also play a vital role in providing efficient and smooth paddling to the new kayakers for a long time.

Normally, sit-on-top kayaks are considered absolute in providing a comfortable sit to the kayakers, however, most beginners don’t prefer to get entirely open to the water environment in that case sit-in design can prove more safe and comfortable for you.

Maximum weight capacity:

Every kayak comes with a specific weight limit. It is the limit under which a paddler is allowed to load the gears and accessories or the kayak will become immobile, but still afloat on the water.

Generally, it varies with the type of kayaking you have planned for, solo kayaks tend to have less weight capacity, between 200-300 lbs., than tandem options.

Since tandem kayaks are more often used for long trips additionally having a buddy that offers more opportunity to load a weight even up to the 600lbs.

Before looking for a new kayak, weigh your additional items and choose the kayak having a weight limit of 20-30 % more than the accessories weight.

Kayak accessories:

Normally, almost every new kayak comes with basic paddling accessories like a paddle, storage bag, repairing kit, etc. These are enough to let you learn the basics of paddling and save your wallet to spend extra pennies on purchasing kayak items.

However, at any stage of the kayaking career when you need to upgrade your skills then it is only suggested to purchase a high-performance paddle that can better let you understand the paddling techniques.

Storage space:

The final yet essential factor you need to consider while purchasing a new kayak. Never ignore the storage space area whether you are going for a long trip or recreational paddling for a few hours.

Longer the trip the more extra items you will be taking. Tandem kayaks are well-suited for the long hour of paddling, you can remove or adjust the middle seat in a way to make extra space for storage, however, the tandem kayaks also offer ample space to store gears at the bow and stern.

Additionally, if you are on the water having not in a mode of whole day paddling, still it is recommended to have a kayak with a space to store extra PFDs, a paddle, and a repairing kit. These must-have items don’t demand to have large storage space but they add additional security to the trip.

The best kayak for beginners:

If you are searching for the best kayak for kids or teenagers of 13 or 14 age, it is suggested to go with the ‘Lifetime Wave 60 Youth kayak’. It contains basic elementary features that are essential for a kid to understand. Additionally, a wider and sit-on-top hull design is extreme comfort and stability to the younger one.

Best Whitewater Kayaking Helmets

Moreover, if your kid is a bit hesitant to kayak alone, then look for tandem kayak options like ‘Intex Explorer K2 kayak’.

However, the best well-suited and high-performance kayaks for adults could be ‘Valwix’ and ‘Aquatec’. Both the brands have solo and tandem paddling options with a supreme advantage of affordability and portability.

Types of kayaks:

While shopping for a kayak you may notice more than one type of kayak. If you are new to kayaking it must be your foremost priority to grab a basic knowledge of different types of kayaks.

What type of kayak is best for me? Well, it just depends on what type of kayaking you have planned. Read the below types of kayaks before shopping for a new one.

Recreational kayaks:

As the name indicates, these kayaks are designed for fun recreational activities on the water. Recreational kayaks are widely preferred by the paddlers when they don’t have to spend long hours on the water.

The main advantage they are known for is their extreme stability and easy maneuverability. Recreational kayaks track well on calm and flat water like small rivers and lakes.

They are relatively shorter and wider than other types of kayaks. They provide enough space to take a kid or a pup on a water trip. People unfamiliar with the paddling techniques are mainly advised to start their kayaking career with recreational kayaks.

Moreover, these kayaks are not heavy on the pocket but provide a quality time to get familiar with the water environment.

Tandem kayaks:

Want to take a family or a friend the kayaking? Then tandem kayaks might suit you best. Tandem kayaks have a seating capacity of two paddlers that provides an additional opportunity to take a partner with you.

What’s best than bringing a family on the water trip and to spend a fun time with them?

Tandem kayaks are longer than recreational. Longer the hull design the more stability it provides. They also track even better making them convenient to use on sea kayaking. Tandem kayaks also provide more space to store the essential accessories for a long trip and for that they are going to charge you more than recreational kayaks.

Tandem kayaks are ideal to learn the basics of paddling. Place an expert or a healthy kayaker on the back seat and the front seat is for the kid, old paddler, or a beginner who wants to learn the paddling strategies.

Fishing kayaks:

If fishing is included in your kayaking trip, you need to look out for a kayak specially manufactured for fishing purposes. They are equipped with special storage compartments for fishing like rod holders, small storage spaces, etc.

Fishing kayaks also tend to have a sturdy and tough floor to support stand-up casting. Fishing kayaks are both available in inflatable and hardshell designs that mainly depend on your preference and choice since both types of construction have their features and drawbacks.

How to learn kayaking?

Kayaking is an extremely fun water sport that could arrest you for life if you have found the tips and techniques of proper paddling. At the same time, all the water sports are a bit risky and demand to have a deep entire knowledge to tackle the rough water environment.

If you are just starting out, a proper paddling guide must be your major concern. However, you don’t need to register yourself into any kayaking institute since we have grabbed a short yet knowledgeable paddling guide for you.

Carefully read the mentioned steps and make yourself able to get into the water in the next upcoming summer.

Let’s begin;

Essential items to keep before paddling:

The first and the foremost step is to collect all the essential paddling items, what are they?

  • A best beginner-friendly kayak: we have already listed above the best beginner-friendly kayaks. Select the one that best suits you. However, you also can rent a kayak from any paddling center, or borrow the one from your friend or relatives.

That way you will get a better knowledge of the essential kayak features their importance and use

 

  • One paddle: A paddle can make or break your first paddling experience. Shaft and blade material and feathering and unfeathering styles are essential for you to know about. Moreover, follow a kayak paddle size chart to find a perfect paddle size that is best compatible with your height and kayak width.
  • Personal Floatation Devices or PFDs: Wearing a PFD will add security to your first kayaking exercise. Normally, new kayakers are unable to select the perfect PFDs from a number of options.

We would suggest you select a PFD that fits well to you without getting lost from any side. Modern PFDs are designed in a way to avoid sweating through ventilation points. Moreover, PFDs with reflective tape are well-suited for beginners to keep them visible from a long distance.

  • Spray skirts: Spray skirts add additional security after PFDs. The main advantage the spray skirts provides is they block the entrance of water into the cockpit and keeps the person dry. Spray skirts cover the kayak’s cockpit that keeps the paddler warm in cold weather. Nylon and Neopron are the most widely used materials for spray skirts.
  • Dry storage bag: without a doubt, you must be bringing gears and accessories. A dry storage bag will keep your electronic devices, snacks, and other items dry.

Additionally, it is advisable to keep the extra items along, if any gets fail or lost so you can utilize the other one, especially PFDs and a paddle.

 

Learn to enter into the kayak:

Well, here comes the most dangerous step though you can become an expert in it by trying it again and again.

how to enter perfectly into a kayak and get on the water mainly depends on two factors; kayak launching location, either beach or a dock? And are you going to paddle alone or have another kayaker? Both the factors make a big difference right at the start.

Beach is the easiest location to enter into a kayak and launch yourself into the water. Firstly place your kayak near the water and give a hit to your kayak into the water hands. In that way, you will also don’t require to have the assistance of another person.

If you are going to start paddling at the dock then entrance can be a bit tricky. It can lower the risk of capsizing if you have another partner with you.

Ask your friend to balance the kayak for you so you can easily enter the kayak. What if you have no one to assist you? Simply land your kayak near the dock, first enter your legs into the kayak and then your remaining body.

The most awkward situation arises when beginners get unable to renter into a kayak after flipping over. It is the same essential as learning to enter into a kayak right at the start.

Firstly, you need to stay calm if the kayak is flipped over. You must be wearing a spray skirt, in that case, let your kayak completely flipped over otherwise if you try to exit from the spray skirt as soon as possible this will let more water enter the cockpit.

Once the cockpit is fully occupied with the water the kayak will become weighty and making it difficult to flip it straight again.

When you are fully flipped over it is the perfect time to get out of the spray skirt and swim to the water surface.

Secondly, grab the gears that are most important for you to have on a trip like luggage, paddle, etc. However, if you have a floatable paddle then no need to worry about that just keep it near to your reach.

Thirdly, quickly stabilize the kayak again. Hold the nearest kayak carrying handle with one hand and grab the other handle of the kayak from the second hand. Now push the water in the backward direction using your legs this will provide you a kick to renter into a kayak again.

Are you holding the paddle correctly?

The question can make a big difference when you will start paddling. Holding a paddle correctly is another essential step that needs to learn properly.

Now you have entered the kayak, hold the paddle with both hands in a way that the fingers are pointing forward and making a round shape with the thumb.

It is up to your choice to either feather the paddle blades or keeps them matchable by adjusting the blade angle, via twisting points located at the shafts, at zero degrees.

Typically, kayak blades are also differentiated as symmetrical (sides of the blade having the same width) and asymmetrical (sides of the blades having different widths). Symmetrical blades are considered ideal for beginners since they are independent of whatever side is in contact with the water.

However, if you are having a paddle with asymmetrical blades then keep the shorter side in the water and the longer side above the surface.

Perform efficient strokes:

To move your kayak forward, you need to perform a forward stroke. The only technique to move forward is to dip one side of the paddle blade in the water near the kayak’s bow. Push the water in the backward direction by moving your torso along with the paddle until the blade reaches the kayak’s stern.

Now release the blade out of the water and do the same process with the other paddle blade to the next side of the kayak.

Similarly, to move your kayak in the backward direction, reverse the above technique and perform a smooth backward stroke

Want to turn your kayak? Again a very simple and straightforward paddling technique is used to turn a kayak in the left or right direction. To turn your kayak on the right side, keep performing forward strokes on the left side of the kayak until the hull is moved to the right.

Continuously keep doing forwards strokes on the right side of the kayak to turn the hull to the left side.

Practice practice and practice:

Kayaking is nothing for a lazy paddling learner. Since practice makes things perfect, set up a time table to practice the paddling. We know that it cannot be done every day especially if you are far away from the kayaking spots, but at least once in a week.

Frequent paddling exercises will boost your paddling expertise within a month or two. Make yourself physically strong enough to tackle the demanding process every week.

A continuous two to three hours of paddling is enough for you as a beginner. First, let yourself be familiar with the process and gradually limit the help of other paddlers and try to apply the paddling techniques by yourself.

Conclusion:

Kayaking isn’t such a complicated sport if you are trying it for the first time. All it demands is to have the best beginner compatible kayak and knowledge of efficient paddling. As above we have provided you the access to both.

Once you get familiar with the paddling skills there will be a lot more ahead to know about the beloved kayaking sport. Choose the kayak that is well-suited to your requirements and budget, try to organize frequent paddling exercises, and let us know in the comment box if you have learned the paddling.

Hey! This is Muneeza, a researcher and writer of the website. Utilizing my vast experience and in-depth research skill, I used to dig deep to find out the information you'll love to know about your favorite watersport. In case of any queries, reach out freely!

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